Fastest man in the world

If you have an interest in airplanes, engines, or motorcycles this museum is a must. The winter season is a great time to pay a visit. Be sure to allow 1 hour 30 minutes to view its numerous exhibits.

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is a well-known aviation museum in the United States. It focuses on the accomplishments of Glenn H. Curtiss, the aviation pioneer and early motorcycle manufacturer. The museum has a sizable collection of aircraft and motorcycles showing the true genius of Glenn Curtiss.

Glenn Curtiss had the unique combination of a skilled mechanic, speed enthusiast and aviation pioneer. He achieved the title of the “fastest man in the world” by setting a motorcycle speed record in 1907 of 136.4 mph.

The following year he piloted the first documented public flight in the US. He piloted a 1909 ‘June Bug’ plane for 1 kilometer on July 4th, 1908. In 1911 the US Navy purchased its first airplane, an A-1 Triad seaplane of Curtiss design. This set the stage for his second title as Father of Naval Aviation.

Glenn Curtiss developed early motorcycles, engines and aircraft for military use at his Hammondsport manufacturing plant. The museum has an extensive collection of Curtiss and Curtiss related vintage aircraft. The aircraft collection contains originals, restorations, or reproductions.

Over two dozen aircraft are within the museum collection. It includes aircraft produced by Glenn Curtiss and others from the same era. The Curtiss P-40E “War Hawk” was produced during World War II.

The vintage antique motorcycle collection is made up of over a dozen motorcycles. The ‘star’ of the motorcycle collection is an exact reproduction of a Curtis 8-cylinder motorcycle, which earned Curtiss the notable motorcycle title.

The museums aircraft engine collection is comprehensive ranging from a pre World War II two-cylinder engine to an early 1950’s jet engine. One of the engines of great interest is the largest reciprocating aircraft engine manufactured. It is a 1945 Pratt & Whitney R4360 twenty-eight cylinder radial engine producing 3800 hp. Howard Hughes used eight of these engines for his “Spruce Goose” aircraft.

Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is located at 8419 State Route 54 Hammondsport, NY. It is a 90-minute drive of 75 miles from Rochester. Drive south on IS 390 to IS 86 (Southern Tier Expressway). Drive west on IS 86 to the Bath exit, #38. Drive north on route 54 to the museum in Hammondsport.

Winter Hours – November 1 – April 30

Monday – Saturday • 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Sundays • 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Summer Hours – May 1 – October 31

Monday – Saturday • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Sundays • 10:00 am to 5:00 PM

Closed on major holidays.

The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum offers much to see, it will be time that you will enjoy in this special place. It may not be your last visit.